1990 Ford Explorer recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
Recalls: check by VIN
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1990 Ford Explorer owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (2), Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Brakes (2), Hydraulic (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
12/03/2003 · Engine
WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT 20 MPH VEHICLE STALLED/ LOST POWER. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND MANAGED TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *AK
07/10/2002 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WHILE DRIVING 58 MPH OPENED SUN ROOF, IT DISCONNECTED AND FELL OFF.*AK
07/10/2002 · Fuel system
FUEL GAUGE NO LONGER WORKS,. CONSUMER CANNOT TELL THE AMOUNT OF FUEL LEFT IN TANK.*AK
01/04/2001 · Brakes · crash
PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY & APPLIED BRAKES, PEDAL LOCKED IN ONE SPOT. VEHICLE WAS FREE ROLLING & HIT A GARAGE DOOR. TOWED VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR BRAKES & FOUND NOTHING. PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN SINCE HAVING ENGINE WORK DONE. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. *AK
08/09/2000 · Wheels / tires · crash
I HAD THREE TIRES LOSE THE ENTIRE CENTER TREAD ON MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE (90 FORD EXPLORER) WHILE TRAVELING AROUNG 70MPH. ALL THREE WERE WITHIN A MONTH OF EACH OTHER. THE FIRST TIRE THAT WENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE BODY THAT WAS REPORTED TO MY INSURANCE.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P235/75R15 )
08/03/2000 · Wheels / tires
FIRESTONE RADIAL ATX TIRES P23575R15 ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A 90 EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 70MPH THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND NOTICED THAT REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TREAD HAD SEPARATED ,THROUGH REAR VIEW MIRROR, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. *AK DOT#W2HL 1PM. *SLC
01/25/1999 · Unknown Or Other
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
10/07/1998 · Fuel system
CONNECTING PIPES ON THE GAS TANK ARE FORMED FROM SEAMED STEAL PIPE, AND THE SEAM IS SEALED DUE TO BAD MANUFACTURING. THE SEAM BENDS OVER AND EVENTUALLY RUSTS AWAY, AND ALLOWS GAS TO LEAK TO GROUND. DEALER CONTACTED AND CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK